<abstract xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>The paper reports on the findings of a qualitative study with 39 first year students of pre-school and primary school teacher education programmes who are taking an educational action research based study course "Environmental Pedagogy". The study aimed at engaging the students in reflection on their experiences of interaction with nature and uncovering their views on ecological consciousness. Qualitative content analysis sought emergent themes in students' reflections. A conceptual framework was identified containing three frames of reference: (1) inclusion-oriented frame of reference; (2) exclusion-determining frame of reference and (3) solution-oriented frame of reference. Conclusions were drawn about the possibilities of educational action research to encourage students' reflection on ecological consciousness and building sustainable and inclusive relationships with the world.</p></abstract>

The paper reports on the findings of a qualitative study with 39 first year students of pre-school and primary school teacher education programmes who are taking an educational action research based study course "Environmental Pedagogy". The study aimed at engaging the students in reflection on their experiences of interaction with nature and uncovering their views on ecological consciousness. Qualitative content analysis sought emergent themes in students' reflections. A conceptual framework was identified containing three frames of reference: (1) inclusion-oriented frame of reference; (2) exclusion-determining frame of reference and (3) solution-oriented frame of reference. Conclusions were drawn about the possibilities of educational action research to encourage students' reflection on ecological consciousness and building sustainable and inclusive relationships with the world.

Exploring and Promoting Ecological Consciousness in Teacher Education: the Possibilities of Educational Action Research in Education for Sustainable Development

Journal of Teacher Education for Sustainability

The paper reports on the findings of a qualitative study with 39 first year students of pre-school and primary school teacher education programmes who are...

Exploring and Promoting Ecological Consciousness in Teacher Education: the Possibilities of Educational Action Research in Education for Sustainable Development

Published Online: Jul 12, 2011

Page range: 43 - 61

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10099-011-0004-2

Keywords
educational action research, ecological consciousness, pre-service teachers, frame of reference

This content is open access.

Exploring and Promoting Ecological Consciousness in Teacher Education: the Possibilities of Educational Action Research in Education for Sustainable Development

Published Online: Jul 12, 2011

Page range: 43 - 61

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10099-011-0004-2

Keywordseducational action research, ecological consciousness, pre-service teachers, frame of reference

This content is open access.

Keywords
educational action research, ecological consciousness, pre-service teachers, frame of reference